Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 31 minutes ago
I've covered in prior tutorials a lot about HOW to image the Sun, WHAT gear to use, and HOW to process your data for amazing results. But in this video I'm taking a deep dive into WHERE and WHEN you should image the Sun. This can make a huge difference in your solar imaging results.
Curious about astronomy? Ask me anything! azastroguy@gmail.com
Like what you see? Follow me @azastroguy on all popular social media platforms. I post daily on Instagram, Threads and Facebook.
If you found this video of interest, and are considering investing in astronomy gear, I would appreciate you using one of my affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase it will cost you nothing, but I will receive a small commission. Thanks!
Agena Astro: bit.ly/3qfWaZS
Highpoint Scientific: bit.ly/4p7f7HA
Lunt solar products: luntsolarsystems.com/?rfsn=8727310.7de84a
I put a lot of work into these videos. It really helps if you subscribe to my channel. Thanks.
Links to Sun and Seeing conditions:
SDO: sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/data
Astrospheric: astrospheric.com
Meteoblue seeing: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/... Goodtostargaze: goodtostargaze.com
Clearskyscharts: cleardarksky.com/csk
Software:
Sharpcap: sharpcap.co.uk
Want to buy me a coffee? It's appreciated! buymeacoffee.com/azastroguy
How to Use ChatGPT or Grok to find amazing solar imaging sites
Copy and edit the following prompt. Then paste into your favorite AI engine. Note that you will likely get mistakes on the first pass. Paste the given GPS coordinates into Google Maps and verify the location looks good (for example you are west of the Sun looking across water at sunrise).
I want to find optimal locations to image the Sun in hydrogen alpha near me. Please provide the top 5 ranked recommended locations that are within a 1) one hour drive and 2) a 3 hour drive of my address, which is (address). I want to optimize atmospheric seeing, within 1 to 3 hours after sunrise. The ideal locations will be such that I have an unobstructed view to the east over water (preferably) or grass or forest. Any location where I physically set up telescope must be 50 ft or less from water, grass or forest, and I cannot be looking over concrete, pavement or buildings within 500 feet of my telescope. Create a table for each of the 2 sets of recommendations. The table columns should include: Ranking, Name of location, gps coordinates, distance from parking to water, grass or forest, fetch (the distance across the water, grass or forest), altitude, any access fees or restrictions, hours of availability, estimated drive time, and any applicable notes.
#solarimaging #astronomy #sun
I've covered in prior tutorials a lot about HOW to image the Sun, WHAT gear to use, and HOW to process your data for amazing results. But in this video I'm taking a deep dive into WHERE and WHEN you should image the Sun. This can make a huge difference in your solar imaging results.
Curious about astronomy? Ask me anything! azastroguy@gmail.com
Like what you see? Follow me @azastroguy on all popular social media platforms. I post daily on Instagram, Threads and Facebook.
If you found this video of interest, and are considering investing in astronomy gear, I would appreciate you using one of my affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase it will cost you nothing, but I will receive a small commission. Thanks!
Agena Astro: bit.ly/3qfWaZS
Highpoint Scientific: bit.ly/4p7f7HA
Lunt solar products: luntsolarsystems.com/?rfsn=8727310.7de84a
I put a lot of work into these videos. It really helps if you subscribe to my channel. Thanks.
Links to Sun and Seeing conditions:
SDO: sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/data
Astrospheric: astrospheric.com
Meteoblue seeing: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/... Goodtostargaze: goodtostargaze.com
Clearskyscharts: cleardarksky.com/csk
Software:
Sharpcap: sharpcap.co.uk
Want to buy me a coffee? It's appreciated! buymeacoffee.com/azastroguy
How to Use ChatGPT or Grok to find amazing solar imaging sites
Copy and edit the following prompt. Then paste into your favorite AI engine. Note that you will likely get mistakes on the first pass. Paste the given GPS coordinates into Google Maps and verify the location looks good (for example you are west of the Sun looking across water at sunrise).
I want to find optimal locations to image the Sun in hydrogen alpha near me. Please provide the top 5 ranked recommended locations that are within a 1) one hour drive and 2) a 3 hour drive of my address, which is (address). I want to optimize atmospheric seeing, within 1 to 3 hours after sunrise. The ideal locations will be such that I have an unobstructed view to the east over water (preferably) or grass or forest. Any location where I physically set up telescope must be 50 ft or less from water, grass or forest, and I cannot be looking over concrete, pavement or buildings within 500 feet of my telescope. Create a table for each of the 2 sets of recommendations. The table columns should include: Ranking, Name of location, gps coordinates, distance from parking to water, grass or forest, fetch (the distance across the water, grass or forest), altitude, any access fees or restrictions, hours of availability, estimated drive time, and any applicable notes.
#solarimaging #astronomy #sun
